Abstract

LOBBIA, PATRICIA A. Sclerochronology in Mitylus spp: analysis of site CCH4 (Monte Leon National Park, Santa, Cruz, Argentina) and implications for the archaeology of Patagonia. Magallania [online]. 2012, vol.40, n.2, pp.221-231. ISSN 0718-2244.  http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-22442012000200010.

Malacological remains constitute an abundant part of the archaeological record in the Patagonian coast. These deposits provide information about human occupation of the Atlantic coast of Patagonia showing that it is a resource that has been exploited at least, since 7.400 years B P. Being a resource available all year, it is essential to determine the season in which they were collected, this information will not only provide information about the importance of the resource in the economy of the human groups, but also provide valuable information for analyzing human occupation on the coast. The aim of this study is to determine the seasonal harvesting of Mytilus spp. from the site CCH4, N.P. Monte León. The sample analyzed consists of shells of Mytilus spp. that were conditioned for sclerochronological analysis. We analyzed the growth pattern of the shells, calculated maximum and minimum increments and compared the results with data from modern shells analyzed by other researchers. The results showed that the highest percentage (42,30%) of shellfish were collected in summer. In winter, the percentage of shells collected was 30,77% and lower values were observed in autumn (15,28%) and spring (11,54%). This would indicate, first, resource utilization throughout the year and also a variation in the intensity of harvesting activity on the season.

Keywords : Mytilus spp; zooarchaeology; sclerochrology; Patagonia.

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